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SCUTTLEBUTT 2491 – December 7 2007Scuttlebutt is a digest of major sailing news, commentary, opinions, featuresand dock talk . . . with a North American focus. Scuttlebutt is published each weekday with the support of its sponsors. RYA LEADS THE CALL FOR OLYMPIC RETHINK The Royal Yachting Association (GBR) is leading the push to have the Events for the 2012 Olympic Games reconsidered by the International Sailing Federation. Following the controversial decision by ISAF Council during its annual conference last month, at which it opted not to include a modern high performance dinghy for women, dropped the multihull event and introduced a match racing format for the women’s keelboat event, the RYA has written to ISAF President Goran Petersson asking for the decision to be reconsidered. The RYA believes that the decisions taken are not in the best interests of the sport of sailing throughout the world, and requests that ISAF review its decision on three grounds: * That the decisions weaken sailing and do not comply with International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines. * That the current decisions will bring fewer nations and young sailors into the sport of sailing. * That an amendment to the previously agreed voting procedure was hasty, and the process ultimately used for selecting events was flawed. The RYA is requesting that ISAF refrains from nominating the list of Events for 2012 to the IOC on 18 March, and instead reconsiders its voting process and Events decision at its Council meeting in May 2008. -- To read RYA letter: http://tinyurl.com/ynjv92 POLLUTERS TO BE PUNISHED AT OLYMPIC SAILING SITE Qingdao, China -- Eight companies were blacklisted for causing excessive pollution in east China's Qingdao as the coastal city works to ensure water quality for the Olympic sailing events next year. The eight food, chemical and textile factories dumped wastewater containing excessive levels of pollutants, polluting the city's coastal water, according to the Qingdao municipal government. The plants have been given three months to improve their waste treatment facilities. "If their wastewater still does not meet the required standards by the deadline, they will be fined and their sewage discharge licenses will be revoked," said Niu Yue, an official in charge of sewage discharge in Qingdao. The city's environmental protection and sewage management officials will strengthen surveillance on all polluting companies in the city, said Niu. Up to 400 athletes and 270 sailboats are expected to compete in nine classes at the 2008 Olympics sailing events in Qingdao. The construction of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing center was completed in June 2006. The center has since hosted several test competitions. In late November, the city began to divert a total of 160 million cubic meters of water from the Yellow River, almost equal to the annual consumption of the city's urban areas. The water will be saved for domestic and industrial use and will alleviate water supply pressures on Qingdao during the 2008 Olympics. -- http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/06/content_7211613.htm * There was a story in Issue 2483 about how it took Australian 2008 Olympic 470 representative Elise Rechichi 10 months to recover from severe gastric trauma after she fell in the water at Qingdao and took in a mouthful of water. Link: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/archived_Detail.asp?key=3799 GROUPAMA 3 READY FOR JULES VERNE ATTEMPT Skippered by Franck Cammas, Groupama 3 team went on standby Thursday, December 6th for their Jules Verne record attempt. Based in Lorient, NW France, its home port, the 31.50 m trimaran with four records already under its belt, will submit itself to waiting for favorable weather conditions to begin its attempt at the record for a crewed circumnavigation around the three capes. Bruno Peyron, aboard the maxi-catamaran Orange 2, set the current record March 2005, when his team sailed the course in 50 days, 16 hours, 20 minutes, and 4 seconds at an average speed of 17.89 knots. Cammas’ crew will need to eclipse that pace for the 21,760 mile track, which begins and ends from a line that is virtually defined between the island of Ushant and Lizard Point lighthouse (UK), and leaves the Capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and the Horn to port.The specs for Groupama 3 are: Length, 31,50 meters Width, 22,50 meters Mast height, 39 meters Mainsail surface, 356 sq meters Solent Surface, 201 sq meters Gennaker surface, 472 sq meters Draft, 5,70 meters Weight, 18 tons Architects: Van Peteghem - Lauriot Prévost Built by: Multiplast and Lorima Construction beginning: December 2004 Launch: June 7th 2006 Team website: http://www.cammas-groupama.com/en WHAT IS THE SOUND OF ONE HAND CLAPPING? The student asked: “How does current affect my layline?” The Master answered: “Ockam Instruments!” If that doesn't make sense to you, maybe you should call on the instrument masters at Ockam Instruments and awaken to what instruments can do for you. We take the middle way and combine the best aspects of rational analysis with intuitive use. Ockam uses the most advanced sensors, superior displays, and the best calculation methods to produce tactical enlightenment on the race course. We cannot take the first step for you; inquire within to acquire greater understanding: http://www.ockam.com LOOMING DEADLINES FOR NEXT AMERICA’S CUP When Justice Cahn of the New York Supreme Court decided on November 27, 2007 to uphold Golden Gate Yacht Club’s (GGYC) claim that the Challenger of Record Club Náutico Español’s (CNEV) was an invalid club, as it did not fulfill the requirements as stated by the America’s Cup Deed of Gift, it was far from the end of the story. The administrative process within the courts that follows the decision has not yet concluded, and it is on that date that a couple items hinge. Once the court documents are finalized, which is expected to occur next week, there is a 30-day window wherein either defender Alinghi’s club Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) or the CNEV may appeal. It is also from that date that the time clock included in the Deed of Gift challenge by GGYC restarts – a proviso that GGYC allowed for to give all sides more time. The deed states that “The challenging Club shall give ten months’ notice in writing naming the days for the proposed races; but no race shall be sailed in the days intervening between November first and May first if the races are to be conducted in the Northern Hemisphere.” If there are no appeals filed, and SNG and GGYC can still not agree on how a multi-challenge monhull America’s Cup shall be organized, the three-race Deed of Gift catamaran challenge by GGYC could still get squeezed in before the November 1st deadline. * Jim Bolland, a marine artist and author based in New Zealand, has provided some comic relief regarding the antics otherwise known as the America’s Cup. Jim states, “The only way to cope with the unbelievable soap opera that is the America’s Cup fracas being played out at the moment, is to either go sailing in another class of yacht, or laugh! To relieve some of the pain, here are a few of my recent cartoons that aim to make light of what could easily be very boring!” Enjoy: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/07/acupcartoon BARCELONA WORLD RACE Open 60 doublehanded round the world race (started Nov 11; 25,000-miles) (Day 26 - December 6, 2007) Estrella Damm’s Jonathan McKee and Guillermo Altadill have been the first team to break the 400-miles per 24 hours barrier in this Barcelona World Race, as offwind wind angles have helped them consistently hit the 20-knot mark under big gennaker. McKee, who prior to this experience only had a taste of the Open 60's raw power, admitted today during the video conference that it's a thrilling but exhausting ride: "It's difficult to be pushing hard all the time, but we're keeping the pressure on to try and stay in touch with the front guys. As we have to hand steer, we don't get that much rest." The first big depression is expected to hit the fleet in approximately 72 hours, yet lighter winds Friday might allow for slight fleet compression, but after that, the great "conveyor belt" of low pressure systems looks right in place and active, the race towards this fast train is on the menu more than ever. -- http://www.barcelonaworldrace.com Positions at 18:00 GMT - Distance to leader (+gain/-loss over previous day) 1-PRB, Vincent Riou (FRA)/Sébastien Josse (FRA), 18,460 mi DTF (+363) 2-Paprec-Virbac 2, Jean-Pierre Dick (FRA)/Damian Foxall (IRE), 36 mi DTL(-4) 3-Veolia Environnement, Roland Jourdain(FRA)/Jean-Luc Nélias(FRA), 168 (+9) 4-Hugo Boss, Alex Thomson (GBR)/Andrew Cape (AUS), 192 (+63) 5-Delta Dore, Jérémie Beyou (FRA)/Sidney Gavignet (FRA), 296 (+16) 6-Temenos II, Dominique Wavre (SUI)/Michéle Paret (FRA), 497 (+4) 7-Estrella Damm, Guillermo Altadill (ESP)/Jonathan McKee (USA), 764 (+43) 8-Mutua Madrilena, Javier Sanso Windmann (ESP)/Pachi Rivero (ESP), 820 (-6) 9-Educación sin Fronteras, Bargués (ESP)/ Escoffier (FRA), 1400 (-121) * (December 6, 2007 – 16:42 UTC) The pace continues to rise for Francis Joyon ’s solo round the world record attempt from Brest, France, as the thirteenth day finds his 24-hour speed average up to 22.9 knots and distance covered to 549 miles. Joyon’s advance over Ellen Macarthur’s record pace in 2005 has risen as well, climbing 213 miles to 1,139. -- http://www.trimaran-idec.com 2008 US YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TEAM ANNOUNCED US SAILING has named six of the nation's top youth singlehanded sailors to the 2008 US Elite Youth Development Sailing Team. Launched by US SAILING in 2007, this team was created for young athletes who have been identified as future Olympic prospects. Three Laser Radial and three Laser Full Rig sailors were selected for the 2008 team from a pool of over 40 applicants. In addition, five individuals were named as Honorable Mention candidates. The Laser Radial team members include: Emily Billing (Clearwater, Fla.), Anne Haeger (Lake Forest, Ill.), and Sarah Lihan (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.). The Laser Full Rig team members include: Luke Lawrence (Palm City, Fla.), Kyle Rogachenko (Collegeville, Pa.), and Derick Vranizan (Seattle, Wash.). Honorable Mention sailors are Claire Dennis (Saratoga, Calif.) and Maggie Shea (Wilmette, Ill.) in the Laser Radial, and Charlie Buckingham (Newport Beach, Calif.), Zack Marks (St. Petersburg, Fla.) and Royce Weber (Surf City, N.J.) in the Laser Full Rig. The Elite Youth Development Team provides its members with national coaching, educational, administrative, and financial-support structure. To help these young athletes gain more sailing experience at the highest levels, team members travel to major international regattas and are supported by elite-level coaches. The Honorable Mention candidates, a new distinction added for the 2008 season, will be able to gain access to elite-level coaches at events attended by the team. -- Complete announcement: http://www.ussailing.org/pressreleases/2007/08eydt.asp QUOTE / UNQUOTE "I hadn't spent more than 20 days at sea before this race, so everyday I'm breaking a personal record" - Jonathan McKee, Estrella Damm, Barcelona World Race TOP FIVE FARR 40’S RACE WITH NORTH SAILS Congratulations to Barking Mad, Nerone, Mean Machine, Morning Glory, and Joe Fly for finishing 1st through 5th respectively at the 10th Anniversary Farr 40 Regatta held in Miami last weekend. All five boats raced with complete North Sails inventories. When performance matters, head North: http://www.northsails.com SAILING SHORTS * The Canadian Yachting Association has announced the members of the 2008 Canadian Youth Sailing Team. Twenty-three sailors under the age of 19 years were selected for the Laser, Laser Radial, 29er Male, 29er Female, Hobie 16, and RS:X classes. The qualifying event for all classes was the 2007 CYA National Youth Championships. In addition, the sailors who represented Canada at the 2007 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships are automatically named to the 2008 National Youth Team. -- Complete report: http://www.sailing.ca/feature/2007/11/youth.html * The introduction of the IRC rating rule in Southern California will come next year as San Diego Yacht Club will be including IRC classes to the Leukemia Cup and the Yachting Cup Regatta in 2008. The races will be single scored, and will offer distinct classes for IRC with class and division prizes. The Leukemia Cup race will be sailed on Friday, May 2nd with the Yachting Cup following on May 3rd & 4th. -- Complete announcement: http://www.us-irc.org/newsfull.cfm?ID=61 * Arve Sundheim (NOR) has announced his decision to retire from his position as ISAF Secretary General on January 1, 2008. Sundheim has had a distinguished career at ISAF, serving as the Secretary General since June 1995, working with two Presidents and through three Olympic Games. He will celebrate his 67th birthday in the New Year. Sundheim will remain at ISAF in a senior advisory role to the President and the ISAF Executive Committee through the Olympic Games in August and the Annual Conference/General Assembly in November 2008 in Madrid. Jerome Pels (NED), currently ISAF Deputy Secretary General, will take over the role of ISAF Secretary General. -- Complete announcement: http://www.sailing.org/21630.php?PHPSESSID=f8ef19cfc5eb4adf621966e6a97afed7 * The Scuttlebutt Store just got a couple new items, plus the polo shirts have been marked down. Check it all out at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/store PHOTOS OF THE WEEK Some of the random photos from the sport received this week at Scuttlebutt include the Volvo Ocean 70 Puma, the Open 60 Pindar, Bruno Troublé getting dressed for his guest commentary in Scuttlebutt, the Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship, a Swan 75 doing her first sail trials in -9 degrees centigrade temperatures, and Melges 32 action from last weekend. If you have images you would like to share, send them to the Scuttlebutt editor. Here are this week’s photos: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/photos/07/1207 LETTERS TO THE CURMUDGEON Letters selected for publication must include the writer's name, and may be edited for clarity or simplicity (letters shall be no longer than 250 words). You only get one letter per subject, so give it your best shot, don't whine if others disagree, and save your bashing and personal attacks for elsewhere. As an alternative, a more open environment for discussion is available on the Scuttlebutt Forum. -- Scuttlebutt Letters: editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com -- Scuttlebutt Forum: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/forum * From Chip Croft, New Haven, CT: In Scuttlebutt 2172, September 2006, I wrote that the sailing industry is not targeting blacks and other people of color in their marketing efforts. It’s interesting to note that our most famous African American sailors - Bill Pinkney and Paul Mixon - both feel the that “…the industry is still missing the boat not targeting African Americans...” When will this industry wake up and grow into its full potential market by being proactive in marketing to people of color? We are far behind almost every other sport and industry in the country. It’s stifling growth and costing us massive revenue. It’s just plain embarrassing. * From Peter Johnstone: My friend, Bill Pinckney, and his co-hort, Paul Mixon, are some of sailing's real heroes. Can you imagine if ISAF and US SAILING had can-do leadership like this? These guys have a dream and they simply do it. It is pure love of life and sailing, an inspiration for all who know them. * From Craig Fletcher: (regarding lead story in Issue 2490) We all have a great love for the ocean and sailing, but could we please leave race out. Can you imagine if there was a White Boaters Summit? I am equally appalled that there needs to be a Black Boaters Summit. * From Peter Commette: Congratulations to the Melges 32 class for doing things beyond boat design to set it apart from the others. At the M-32 Annual Winter Tune-up Regatta at Lauderdale Yacht Club this past weekend, not only did the class have a regatta in which individual coaches could coach throughout the races, but the regatta entry fee included the hiring of a fleet coach, Morgan Reeser. Morgan's video presentations each evening, and his coaching on the water, was of the world caliber you would expect. However, for me as a spectator, it was not the highlight of the regatta. Taking junior sailors along on Saturday and Sunday of the three-day regatta was the clear highlight. The 22 kids on 18 boats were given an experience of a lifetime. The opportunity to sail with world-class sailors, to be warmly received, and to be made to feel part of the crew, and then to race on boats for which your frame of reference is an Opti or a 420, truly was surreal for the kids. Hats off to the M-32 Class and its owners for not sitting pat with a good design but proactively doing unique and innovative things to distinguish their class. If you could only have seen the kids' faces when they got off the boats, or heard them talking about how cool it was, you'd know beyond a shadow of a doubt that on this weekend 22 kids were generously given the thrill of a lifetime. * From Jesse Henry: Sorry to ask this, but I missed the part that has cats racing next summer as part of the America's Cup!!! I Know I know! But I missed the reason why this might happen and cannot find out why now because everything written about it assumes everybody already knows. I don't need the whole convoluted history. But why and how is this "threat" of racing cats next summer a possibility? => Curmudgeon’s Comment: Anybody else feel lost? We have tried to explain this in the Forum, and if anybody has anything to add, you can do it here: http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=5616 * From J. Joseph Bainton: Appeal of A/C Ruling -- Let us give the judicial system of the State of New York the credit it has earned and also be practical. Justice Cahn was obviously not ignorant of the facts that (a) settlement negotiations were ongoing and (b) settlement would have been in the best interests of the Cup. So, his "bullet proof" opinion was rendered after affording the parties a reasonable period within which to find mutual accord. Should there be appeal it is highly likely that (a) Oracle will move to expedite the hearing and determination of that appeal for obvious reasons; (b) that motion will be granted; and (c) within 30 to 45 days (or less) Justice Cahn's opinion will be affirmed. * From Jesse Falsone: In response to Jesse Fradkin's assertion in Issue 2490 that "It has always been the relativity of speed on a sailboat that brings the thrill of racing", I believe that high-performance sailors everywhere will vehemently disagree. It is the competition in slow boats that makes them "exciting" to race. It is when you combine speed and competition that true thrills are achieved in sailboat racing. However, I do agree with Mr. Fradkin that safety has seemingly fallen victim to performance in some sailing arenas, as witnessed by the alarming rate at which canting keels have failed in the past few years. Let's keep pushing the speed envelope, but keep in mind that you can't win if you don't finish. YOUR FAVORITE EVENT With the publication of Scuttlebutt’s 2500th newsletter just two weeks away, we are celebrating the success of the 2007 sailing season, and we want to hear what your favorite regatta was this year. Help others plan for 2008 by telling them what they missed in 2007. Submit your event, and you’ll automatically be entered to win some great giveaways. Go to http://sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=5603 CURMUDGEON’S OBSERVATION The largest cell in the human body is the female egg and the smallest is the male sperm. Special thanks to Ockam Instruments and North Sails. A complete list of Scuttlebutt’s preferred suppliers is at http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ssc/suppliers |
